Environmental Science, AS Degree

Program Design

The field of environmental science has enjoyed rapid growth since the mid-1980s. Occupational employment projections compiled by the CT State Department of Labor show that job opportunities are expected to be very good for environmental scientists. An increase in local, state and federal laws concerning environmental issues has provided increased opportunity for professionals in this field.

Growth is also expected to be fueled by demands for waste regulation and for compliance monitoring. The emerging field of sustainable energy is spurring the growth of job opportunities as a result of the ever-increasing awareness to monitor and improve the quality of the environment, to study the effect that human activity has on terrestrial and aquatic systems, and to find ways to restore them. As the demand for oil and other fuels continues to increase, bringing with it the threat of increased pollution, an increasing amount of research is focusing on the development of alternate renewable and non-polluting energy sources. Finally, data from the Geological Society of America (GSA) show a rapid increase in positions supporting the fields of geohydrology, environmental geology and engineering geology. Increasingly, public policy is requiring that industries comply with environmental regulating air and water quality. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition)

Curriculum

The Environmental Science associate degree program, with its strong foundation in basic sciences and mathematics, will allow students interested in transferring to continue their studies in geosciences (including hydrology, soil, and agricultural resources), ecology (including forestry and wildlife biology), energy resources and sustainability, natural resources management and environmental biology or chemistry.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of all Environmental Science degree requirements, graduates will

1. Develop an understanding of the scientific basis for issues affecting the environment and their impact on society as well as an appreciation for the role of sustainable technologies in addressing these issues.
2. Understand and be skilled at collecting, analyzing and presenting scientific data by various means including up-to-date computer technologies.
3. Be able to use the scientific method for problem solving in biology, chemistry, geology, physics and environmental sciences, and be able to use this skill to address issues related to the environment.
4. Research and assess the accuracy of appropriate information sources involving both print literature and electronic sources, including online databases and publications.
5. Communicate knowledge and understanding of environmental sciences and related societal issues in appropriate written, oral and mathematical means.
6. Demonstrate interrelationships and connections with other subject areas associated with a college-level education.
7. Use a wide array of knowledge, principles and skills acquired in laboratory, field and lecture settings for use in transferring to baccalaureate degree program or for use in seeking further training toward a technical degree.

In addition, the graduate will complete the comprehensive learning outcomes identified with the General Education Component.

Division of Mathematics, Science and Health Careers: 860-512-2700

Source: 2011-2012 Course Catalog